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Common Brake Problems

You rely on your car brakes to keep you safe on the road, so it is vital that they are working effectively. Over time, much like your tyres, components of your brakes will wear and need to be replaced so that they continue to work effectively.

How Do Brakes Wear?

Your vehicle’s braking system is made up of different components and each can be susceptible to wear, damage or corrosion.

During a vehicle’s lifetime, you can expect to replace brake pads and discs due to usual wear at least once. The rate that they wear and the amount of miles they will last for depends upon how frequently they are used. It is important to be aware that high speed braking can cause more rapid deterioration.

In addition, some of the components in the braking system, including the discs, are made using cast iron which is susceptible to corrosion. Surface rust is usually rapidly cleaned off the brakes due to the action of the brake pads on the discs, however, rust and corrosion that remains on braking components can worsen and may eventually cause the discs to weaken.

Identifying Brake Problems

Here are the most common signs associated with braking problems and what they could mean:

Squealing or Grinding Noises

This type of noise is caused by metal on metal and it indicates that your brake pads are worn and need to be replaced. This may also mean that the brake discs are damaged.

Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal

If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy when you press down on it, there may be air in the hydraulic system which is usually caused by brake fluid leaking.

Pulling to the Side

Usually when you apply the brake, the force is equally applied to each side of the braking system. If your vehicle pulls to either the right or left when you brake, however, then your brakes may be unevenly wearing. This can be caused by worn rotors or a mechanical fault.

Burning Smell

If you notice a pungent burning smell emitting from your wheels then your brakes are overheating. This is highly dangerous and requires an immediate inspection from a specialist.

Other Signs:

  • Stiff or Hard Brake Pedal
  • Vibrations When Braking
  • The Brake Light on your Dashboard has Illuminated

Any of these problems could be highly dangerous so you must have your vehicle inspected by a specialist if you start to notice anything different with your braking system.

Repairing or Replacing Brakes

At Dexel Tyre & Auto Centre we provide a comprehensive brake check, free of charge, and we can undertake work on all different types of braking systems.

We provide replacement parts and offer a wide range of brake repairs.

Get a Free Brake Check at Dexel Tyre & Auto Centre

If you have noticed any of the signs listed, make an appointment at your local Dexel Tyre & Auto Centre branch for a free brake check as soon as possible.

Ignoring problems with your brakes could be lead to expensive repairs or even be potentially dangerous, so even small suspicions need to be inspected fast!

Spot Problems with Your Exhaust!

The exhaust system is one of the largest components in your vehicle stretching from the engine to the tail of your vehicle – although the pipe is the only part that you can usually see!

The exhaust has an important function in your vehicle as it reduces harmful engine fumes and directs them away from the car. It also works to reduce noise pollution and fuel consumption.

If there is a problem with your exhaust it is usually quite easy to identify as it will start making unusual noises or show visual signs of rusting or corrosion.

How to Identify Problems

Increased fuel consumption is a sign that you have a problem with your exhaust system. This might be due to a leak in the system so your engine is forced to work harder to maintain its performance.

Hissing noises also indicate that there may be a leak or hole in one of your exhaust components as this noise could be caused by air escaping.

Loud roaring noises is one of the most common signs that there is a problem with your exhaust. This could indicate corrosion or a problem with the silencer.

Persistent rattling noises which sounds like metal hitting metal could mean that there is a problem with your catalytic convertor, unfortunately the most expensive part of the exhaust.

Unusual emissions which could be white, blue or black in colour could indicate either a problem with your exhaust system or engine.

If you do notice any of these problems, don’t ignore them! Make sure you make an appointment for a free exhaust health check as soon as possible at your local Dexel Tyre & Auto Centre branch.

Take Positive Steps

Even if you have not noticed any of the signs listed above, you can still make some simple checks regularly at home to make sure that your exhaust stays in good health.

Check for leaks – look underneath your vehicle to ensure that there are no pools of fluid which would indicate that you have a leak in the exhaust system.

Check for corrosion – You can visually inspect the part of your exhaust that you can see for signs of rust and corrosion. You should pay attention to seals and joins and get your exhaust checked by a specialist if you see any cracks or holes.